Politicians from the larger Gusii region are up in arms over the proposed new constituency boundaries.MPs from Kisii and Nyamira counties have opposed the new boundaries claiming they interfere with the unity of some clans and hence threaten to break their traditional links.The leaders also accused the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission of ignoring views of grassroots leaders in delimiting the boundaries.

“We want whoever is mandated to complete the review of boundaries to stick to the original recommendations by community leaders,” nominated MP George Nyamweya said on Saturday in an interview.

Ligale team

The Andrew Ligale team created three constituencies in Gusii. They included Gucha which brings together parts of Bomachoge and Bobasi constituencies as well as Marani and Mosocho, a split of Kitutu Chache constituency.

The commission also created Borabu constituency which was carved out of the North Mugirango, Borabu and parts of Kitutu Masaba.

Mr Nyamweya said Gusii leaders had suggested division of Kitutu Masaba, North Mugirango, Bomachoge and Kitutu Chache constituencies “in a way that does not relocate some residents to other electoral areas unless new.”

“That is why the people of Bomachoge are opposed to the new Gucha constituency. The new arrangement re-unites them with Ababasi,” said Mr Nyamweya.The new Gucha constituency in Kisii County, which was hived off parts of Bobasi and Bomachoge constituencies, has 11 wards revolving around Public Works minister Chris Obure’s home.

Last week, residents of Bomachoge constituency held a demonstration in protest against the new boundaries.“Abamachoge are unhappy because they wanted a new constituency within their boundary,” said Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha.He said some leaders from Nyaribari Chache were opposed to moving Central Ward in Kisii town to the new Mosocho constituency.